The inception and creation of the Belgrade Theatre as a symbol of post-war regeneration and a new era of civic and cultural ambition for Coventry, is completely intertwined with Coventry’s experience during WWII and especially of the Blitz in 1940, which saw large-scale destruction across the city.
This year, we commemorate the 85th Anniversary of that fateful night on 14 November 1940 and acknowledge the significant effect it had on the future of the city, and specifically in regard to the Belgrade Theatre.
The Belgrade opened in March 1958, and appeared as a beacon of hope, not just for the city, but for Britain, and Europe. The council’s commitment to build a theatre – a place for Coventry’s communities to gather; a place for escapism, entertainment, joy and learning, at a time when resources were incredibly stretched, was a bold move, but one that was immediately embraced by Coventry’s citizens, who happily accepted a small increase on their rates to cover the costs.
Coventry’s post-war commitment to peace and reconciliation was built into the DNA of the Belgrade. The theatre’s iconic chandeliers were commissioned from German-born artist, Bernard Schottlander, and the Dove of peace sculpture by Coventry artist, Walter Ritchie, was originally mounted prominently above the theatre’s stage and remains on public display in the theatre’s foyer.
Famously, the Belgrade was named in honour of a gift of timber from the city of Belgrade, the Serbian capital. Coventry was the first city to introduce twinning, and Belgrade was one of the earliest cities that Coventry was to twin with – a move that was indicative of the city and the theatre’s new commitment to fostering international relationships.
These values of peace, reconciliation and internationalism remain at the heart of the Belgrade Theatre today, just as they did in 1958, with the Dove recently re-established as the iconic emblem in the Belgrade’s logo and branding, just as it was when the building opened in 1958.
We mark this 85th anniversary in 2025, with two sell-out screenings of our landmark production of One Night in November – Alan Pollock’s acclaimed play about Coventry’s Blitz experience, that was a huge success for the Belgrade and staged four times between 2018 and 2013.
One Night in November is a great example of the Belgrade’s continued promise to reflect and share the city’s stories. The story of that moment in history, is one that shaped the very existence of the Belgrade and led to the values and vision that remains at the heart of the theatre.
Photos by Robert Day